Nadir Haroub Ali (born 10 February 1982) is a Tanzanian former professional footballer who played as a central defender. He spent the majority of his club career with Young Africans Sports Club (Young Africans FC) in the Tanzanian Premier League, making over 200 appearances during a 16‑year spell. Haroub also represented Tanzanian and Zanzibari national teams and served as captain of both Young Africans and the Tanzania national side after 2012.
Early life
Haroub was born in Michenzana, Zanzibar, Tanzania. He began his football development with the youth academy of Young Africans FC, progressing through their ranks from 1994 to 2000.
Club career
- Young Africans FC (2000–2003, 2006–2018) – After a brief early senior stint (2 appearances) with Young Africans, Haroub transferred to Malindi FC, where he featured in 36 matches. He returned to Young Africans in 2006 and became a regular starter, accumulating 119 league appearances and scoring 7 goals. He was a long‑serving member of the squad, captaining the team from 2012.
- Malindi FC (2003–2005) – Haroub played regularly, helping the club compete in the Tanzanian Premier League.
- Vancouver Whitecaps Residency (loan, 2009–2010) – He spent a loan period in Canada, though he did not make a first‑team appearance.
- Zanzibar Premier League – Haroub also played a season in the Zanzibar Premier League before retiring.
International career
Haroub earned 51 caps and scored 3 goals for the Tanzania national football team between 2006 and 2017, participating in FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. He also represented Zanzibar in regional competitions, obtaining 21 caps and 1 goal from 2008 to 2017, and captained the side in multiple CECAFA Cup tournaments.
Style of play
Known for his defensive solidity, Haroub was nicknamed “Cannavaro” after the Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro, reflecting a playing style characterized by strong tackling, aerial ability, and leadership in the back line.
Coaching career
Following his retirement as a player, Haroub remained with Young Africans SC as a first‑team coach from 2017 to 2019, contributing to the development of the club’s defensive tactics.
Personal life
Haroub is of Zanzibari heritage. Aside from football, he has been involved in community outreach programs in Tanzania, though specific details are limited in publicly available sources.
